Average Rent in Merced, CA↑ Rents rising 6.3% YoY

Merced, CA has rental prices ranging from $1,071/month to $2,534/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,227/month — 12% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $65,044/year, spending $1,227/month on a 1-bedroom represents 23% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Merced Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,509/month, Merced ranks #25 most expensive of the 51 cities tracked in California — pricier than 93% of all US cities in our data.

The Merced Rental Market

The Merced, CA area has a population of about 285,597 and 47% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs above the US average of ~34%, pointing to a competitive rental market where vacancies clear quickly and rents are less negotiable.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Merced, CA have risen by $89/month (6.3%) over the past year, from $1,420 to $1,509. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Merced, CA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $49,080. The local median household income of $65,044 exceeds that threshold by $15,964, making Merced relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Merced, CA is $397,609, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 22.0. With a break-even horizon of approximately 22 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Is Merced, CA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Merced?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Merced

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.